Automation Engineering Manager

Pfizer • Rocky Mount, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Engineering Manager is a member of the Site Digital & Automation Team and is accountable for leading automation operations, lifecycle management, and production continuity across site automation and digital systems supporting manufacturing operations. This role provides leadership, direction, and governance across automation engineering activities, ensuring reliable, compliant, and efficient operation of production-critical systems. The role works in close collaboration with Operations, Engineering, and Core Digital & Automation partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience; OR a Master's degree with at least 2 years of experience; OR a PhD with 0+ years of experience; OR an Associate's degree with 8 years of experience; OR a High School diploma (or equivalent) and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Degree in Electrical, Electronic, Automation, Mechatronic, Chemical, or Computer Science Engineering.
• Extensive experience in automation engineering within pharmaceutical or GMP environments.
• Strong knowledge of GAMP guidelines applicable to in-scope systems.
• Experience leading automation teams or programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent people management abilities.
• Proficiency in using computers and applications such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated experience in managing projects within timelines and budgets.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams.
• Permanent work authorization in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience across various domains such as IT systems, electrical engineering, robotics, and automated systems within a Clinical or Regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated competencies in cross-functional leadership, including diligence, strategy development, conflict resolution, analysis, communication, and business/organizational awareness.
• Strong project planning skills.
• Ability to manage the performance of direct reports through goal setting, ongoing assessment, and coaching.
• Experience in conducting regular one-on-one mentoring and training sessions on operations, individual development plan (IDP), and performance reviews.
• Strong collaboration skills with other process automation teams, engineering, and global IT teams.
• Experience in developing and maintaining project budgets and providing updates for financial reporting cycles.
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity.
• Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation operations to ensure production continuity and system reliability across the site.
• Serve as escalation point for automation-related production issues and coordinate resolution across teams.
• Provide guidance to Operations and Engineering on automation system performance and risks.
• Ensure smooth transition of systems from project delivery into business-as-usual operations.
• Own automation lifecycle management ensuring systems remain compliant, validated, and fit for purpose.
• Establish and enforce standards for lifecycle documentation, change management, and validation.
• Oversee regulatory compliance aligned with GMP, GAMP, and audit requirements.
• Drive periodic reviews, system upgrades, and proactive lifecycle planning.
• Lead site-level response to major automation incidents and crises impacting production.
• Ensure effective Business Continuity Plan (BCP) readiness, testing, and execution.
• Coordinate cross-functional and vendor support during high-severity events.
• Ensure incident documentation, root cause analysis, and corrective actions are completed.
• Manage control systems and automation infrastructure including DCS, PLC, SCADA, HMI, and related systems.
• Drive governance of system changes, upgrades, and infrastructure improvements.
• Oversee vendor engagement, system integration, and technology roadmap execution.
• Ensure alignment to site and network architecture standards.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance automation and manufacturing systems performance and reliability.
• Drive standardization of automation practices and coding standards.
• Enable data-driven decision making and performance optimization.
• Provide technical and operational guidance across automation activities.
• Drive stakeholder engagement across Operations, Engineering, and Digital teams.
• Ensure alignment with site priorities and network strategies.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions
• Additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
• Paid vacation, holiday and personal days
• Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• Health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage
• Relocation assistance may be available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager